Security Best Practices
Recommended practices for maintaining a secure environment.
Overview
This guide covers security best practices for:
- Administrators - System and user management
- Developers - Secure development practices
- Users - Safe usage habits
- Operations - Ongoing security maintenance
Administrator Best Practices
Access Control
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Least Privilege | Grant minimum necessary permissions |
| Role-Based Access | Use roles, not individual permissions |
| Regular Reviews | Audit access quarterly |
| Separation of Duties | Critical functions require multiple people |
| Just-in-Time Access | Temporary elevation when needed |
User Management
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Require MFA | Enforce for all users |
| Strong Passwords | Enforce complexity requirements |
| SSO Integration | Centralize identity when possible |
| Offboarding | Revoke access immediately on departure |
| Service Accounts | Audit and rotate regularly |
Monitoring
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Enable Logging | All security events logged |
| Alert Configuration | Set up critical alerts |
| Regular Reviews | Check logs for anomalies |
| Incident Response | Have a plan ready |
| Retention | Keep logs per compliance requirements |
Developer Best Practices
Secure Coding
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Input Validation | Validate all inputs |
| Output Encoding | Prevent XSS attacks |
| Parameterized Queries | Prevent SQL injection |
| Error Handling | Don't expose sensitive info |
| Dependency Management | Keep dependencies updated |
Secrets Management
danger
Hardcoding secrets in source code is strictly prohibited. All secrets must be managed through GCP Secret Manager or environment variables. Exposed credentials must be rotated immediately.
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| No Hardcoding | Never put secrets in code |
| Environment Variables | Use for configuration |
| Secret Rotation | Rotate regularly |
| Least Privilege | Keys only have needed permissions |
| Audit Usage | Monitor key activity |
API Security
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Require on all endpoints |
| Authorization | Check permissions per request |
| Rate Limiting | Prevent abuse |
| Input Validation | Validate request data |
| Error Responses | Don't leak information |
User Best Practices
Account Security
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Unique Passwords | Different for each service |
| Password Manager | Store passwords securely |
| Enable MFA | Additional verification layer |
| Secure Devices | Keep devices updated |
| Lock Screen | Always when away |
Safe Usage
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Verify Links | Before clicking |
| Report Suspicious Activity | If something seems wrong |
| Log Out | On shared devices |
| Don't Share Credentials | Ever |
| Be Wary of Requests | Verify unusual requests |
Operational Best Practices
Regular Tasks
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| Daily | Review security alerts |
| Weekly | Check security posture |
| Monthly | Access reviews, vulnerability scan |
| Quarterly | Full access audit, policy review |
| Annually | Penetration test, security training |
Incident Preparedness
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Response Plan | Documented and tested |
| Contact List | Updated and accessible |
| Escalation Path | Clear and known |
| Communication Plan | Internal and external |
| Recovery Procedures | Documented and tested |
Compliance
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Know Requirements | Understand applicable frameworks |
| Document Controls | Maintain evidence |
| Regular Testing | Verify controls work |
| Audit Readiness | Always prepared |
| Continuous Improvement | Learn from audits |
Policy Recommendations
Password Policy
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum Length | 12+ characters |
| Complexity | Upper, lower, number, special |
| History | Remember last several passwords |
| Lockout | After failed attempts |
Session Policy
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Idle Timeout | Per sensitivity level |
| Absolute Timeout | Maximum session length |
| Concurrent Sessions | Limit based on need |
| Force Logout | On password change |
API Key Policy
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Expiration | Set maximum lifetime |
| Rotation | Require periodic rotation |
| Scope | Minimum necessary permissions |
| Naming | Descriptive names |
Security Checklist
Initial Setup
- MFA required for all users
- Strong password policy enabled
- SSO configured (if applicable)
- Logging enabled
- Alerts configured
- Access reviews scheduled
Ongoing
- Regular access reviews completed
- Vulnerabilities addressed in SLA
- Security training up to date
- Incident response plan tested
- Backups verified
- Compliance controls current